Home  ›  Smart Port Challenge  ›  Smart Port Challenge 2023

PIER71™️ Smart Port Challenge 2023

Smart Port Challenge is an annual innovation challenge organised by PIER71TM to attract start-ups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions to step forward and address key challenges faced by the maritime industry.
The solutions can be under any of the 5 Key Categories stated below.

Key Categories

Maritime Green Technologies
Maritime Green Technologies
Next Generation Ports
Next Generation Ports
Smart Shipping
Smart Shipping
Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)

The Journey to Smart Port Challenge Finals has Begun!

18 Start-ups from 7 countries have been selected to participate in this year’s Accelerate programme, as finalists of Smart Port Challenge 2023.

Over the course of eight weeks, the start-ups will delve into a world of opportunities to refine their products and solutions, broaden their horizons and establish significant relationships within the maritime industry.

PIER71™ Accelerate is not just a programme; it’s an ecosystem designed to nurture their development. They will gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including masterclasses, workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events and a lot more. Each of these meticulously curated sessions is designed to equip them with insights, skills, and perspectives that will be pivotal to their entrepreneurial journey, providing opportunities for market validation and potential collaborations with industry leaders.

 

 

 

Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities

Explore SPC2023 Innovation Opportunities
SPC2023 Cohort
SPC2023 Cohort
SPC2023 Cohort
SPC2023 Cohort

Explore SPC2023 Cohort

Smart Port Challenge

2023 Timeline

08 Jun 2023
Launch Day
Launch Day

Revealing the list of innovation opportunities and key dates

08 Jun - 03 Aug 2023
Calls for submission
Calls for submission

Start-ups submit their proposal based on the innovation opportunities available

04 Aug - 12 Sep 2023
Shortlisting of finalists
Shortlisting of finalists

Shortlisting process with a panel of maritime, technology and entrepreneurial experts

18 Sep - 08 Nov 2023
Accelerate
Accelerate

Shortlisted finalists are enrolled into a 8 week market validation and customer discovery programme

15 Nov 2023
Semi-Finals
Semi-Finals

Closed door pitching in front of judges for final shortlisting of grand finalists

21 Nov 2023
Grand Final
Grand Final

Grand finalists pitch in front of judges, partners, investors and other maritime veterans to secure the top prizes of the challenge

Why Participate?

Mentoring and coaching Mentoring and coaching
Mentoring and coaching
Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71<sup>TM</sup> partners Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71<sup>TM</sup> partners
Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71 partners
Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers
Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers
Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts
Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts
Product and business model validation Product and business model validation
Product and business model validation
Eligibility to apply for grants (up to S$100,000) towards prototype development Eligibility to apply for grants (up to S$100,000) towards prototype development
Eligibility to apply for grants of up to S$100,000 for proof-of-concept or pilot projects, and up to S$250,000 for new product development
Cash prizes for top three winners Cash prizes for top three winners
Cash prizes for top three winners
Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad
Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad
Branding and media exposure Branding and media exposure
Branding and media exposure
Founding Partners
MPA Singapore NUS Enterprise
Part of
Maritime Singapore

Shortlisted finalists are enrolled in a two-phase, 12-week programme.


Phase 1: Fit Check - Market Discovery and Validation

Kickstart your journey by diving deep into the heart of your market! In this phase, we'll help you answer the pivotal question: Is there a product-market fit for your solution? Validate your tech, test your assumptions, and find the perfect match for your innovation. A review will be conducted at the end of Phase 1. Only selected participants will advance to Phase 2.


Phase 2: Gap Busters - Navigating New Markets

Now, it's time to bridge the commercial gap. In this phase, you’ll partner with industry veterans who bring sharp business insights to the table. Together, you’ll navigate and conquer markets that may be uncharted territory for your startup.


Although the programme is designed for remote and overseas participants, in-person participation is required for the following events conducted in Singapore: